Paul George predicts Victor Wembanyama-Chet Holmgren Rookie of the Year winner

Paul George predicts Victor Wembanyama-Chet Holmgren Rookie of the Year winner.

As the 2023-24 regular season winds down, voters will soon need to turn in their ballots for the award races. One of the most discussed awards this year is Rookie of the Year. LA Clippers forward Paul George offered his opinion on the debate.

It’s a two-player battle between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. The two centers headline the new renaissance of seven-footer players who can handle the ball and score like a guard. Both are also monster mobile rim protectors.

Over the last few months, Wembanyama has created distance in the race with a dominating stretch with the San Antonio Spurs. He’s averaged 20.6 points on 46.5% shooting, 10.3 rebounds, 3.4 blocks and 3.4 assists.

Meanwhile, Holmgren has been part of the young trio with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are fighting for first place. He’s averaged 16.8 points on 53.6% shooting, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.7 assists.

The Chet vs. Wemby discussions have been one of the more prominent storylines of the season, and both will likely be linked with each other for the rest of their careers. They’ve had similar upbringings as generational bigs who were high draft picks in their respective classes.

In a recent episode of the “Podcast P” podcast, George offered his opinion on the heated Wembanyama-Holmgren debate, stating he thinks the former has edged the latter for the prestigious award.

“I’m gonna give it to Wemby,” George said. “Chet’s on a winning team. He’s got a great group of young guys around him, so not much pressure is like solely on him.

“The expectation for Wemby is extremely high, he’s playing on a young team as well but they’re not as successful and I don’t think quite yet the talent is as high as Oklahoma’s, so he’s relied upon to do a lot on a nightly basis and he’s doing it.

“Yeah, his team isn’t winning as much as Chet’s team but that’s because Chet’s team is better, and I think he’s handling and with the expectation he’s doing a great job.”

This is a reasonable take to have this late in the season. Wembanyama has put up historic numbers recently, but he’s given the platform to do so considering how little talent is in San Antonio.

Meanwhile, Holmgren plays within the flow of the Thunder, which has led to them blossoming into young title contenders this season. He doesn’t have as much room for error.

Regardless of who wins the award, it’s fair to say both teams are excited to have their respective young center for the foreseeable future as they headline the next crop of players.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Paul George sees potential star in Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore

“He’s a player that I think is going to shake up some things in Houston,” Paul George says of Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore. “I saw stardom on both ends.”

Rockets guard Cam Whitmore, who is sidelined for approximately three weeks by a knee sprain, has already turned heads in Houston and beyond during his rookie season in the NBA.

Drafted 20th in the 2023 first round, Whitmore is averaging 12.1 points (46.4% FG, 36.1% on 3-pointers) and 3.9 rebounds in only 17.8 minutes per game this season. If extrapolated over a larger sample, those are potentially elite numbers — to say the least.

This month, one of Whitmore’s better games came in a nationally televised showdown versus the Los Angeles Clippers, who feature star perimeter players Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden. In 24 minutes off the bench, the 19-year-old prospect out of Villanova poured in 17 points, including three 3-pointers.

George certainly seems to have noticed. In a newly posted episode of “Podcast P with Paul George,” presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment, George was asked by a listener about players having great seasons that aren’t being talked about by media members.

George named Whitmore as part of that list. Among his comments, as transcribed by Dave Hardisty of ClutchFans:

I was extremely impressed with his game. He’s a player that is going to shake up some things in Houston and can be a star player. I saw stardom on both ends.

He played hard on both ends. He can shoot it. He can handle. He’s explosive. He was strong. He had a nastiness to him that you don’t really see in a lot of super young guys. He was trying to challenge me. He was challenging Kawhi. He’s a name that I think, because he’s a rookie, hasn’t had much coverage on him, but he will be good.

With George, a nine-time NBA All-Star, playing a key role, the Clippers rallied to win that game versus Whitmore and the Rockets, who were on the second night of a back-to-back.

But Whitmore’s strong showing was a big reason Houston raced to a 20-point lead in the first place, and his athleticism has become a huge part of an improved bench unit for the Rockets.

The complete episode can be listened to below.

[lawrence-related id=121787,121409]

After close win, Clippers stars impressed by improving Rockets

Kawhi Leonard on the Rockets: “Very good and very confident. Ime [Udoka] is putting them in the right position to succeed, and they are just getting better and better.”

HOUSTON — Los Angeles Clippers forwards Kwahi Leonard and Paul George sat at their lockers inside the visiting locker room of Toyota Center, and discussed some of the events that had transpired in Wednesday’s 122-116 victory over Houston.

Leonard and George knew coming into the game that they would have their hands full with a young, inspired team that featured several strong veterans and a proven head coach, Ime Udoka.

“Very good and very confident,” Leonard told Rockets Wire when asked about Houston’s team. “Ime (Udoka) is putting them in the right position to succeed, and they are just getting better and better.”

Houston led by as many as 20 points in the first half before being outscored in the second half, 78-59. George, Leonard and former Rockets star James Harden used their combined 47 years of NBA experience to wear down their youthful opponents, who are still learning to finish games. That was once Harden’s role before he left the team (through a forced trade) in January 2021.

“They are definitely headed in the right direction,” Harden said regarding the Rockets’ future. “They have a combination of young talent with some vet pieces that have some experience. They have been playing really well. The future is bright.”

That analysis by proven All-Star talents clearly suggests Udoka has his team on the right track. Although they are 3-5 since the All-Star break, Houston has looked increasingly competitive against the Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder, who are likely to make the NBA playoffs.

Jalen Green had back-to-back games of 34 points in Phoenix, while teammate Alperen Sengun did his best work at home. On Tuesday, he posted a career-high 45 points and five steals in his matchup with prized rookie Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. He followed that with his second career triple-double: 23 points, 19 rebounds and 14 assists against the Clippers.

“I have been the biggest supporter of Alperen (Sengun), so it doesn’t surprise me at all,” George told Rockets Wire when describing Sengun’s strong play. “His game … he is up there with the best of the centers in this league, and he is showing that, night in and night out.”

[lawrence-related id=121572,121575]

Clippers star Paul George listed as top Spurs target in free agency

LA Clippers star Paul George was listed as a top free agency target for the San Antonio Spurs.

The San Antonio Spurs haven’t won many games this season, but that’s alright. They knew they were getting into a rebuilding year, but with Victor Wembanyama at the helm, they have a great future ahead of them. And in free agency this summer, San Antonio will have a chance to put some big-time talent next to him.

The Spurs could free up enough cap space to sign a max-contract player if they make some trades and play their cards right. And if that’s the case, they could bring in top-tier talent to help Wembanyama start winning and competing for the postseason right away.

Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report recently wrote a list of three top targets for every team, and one of the guys he named for the Spurs was LA Clippers star Paul George.

“George obviously doesn’t bring the playmaking LeBron does, but his outside shooting and perimeter defense would still make life easier for Wembanyama on both ends,” Bailey wrote.

LeBron James was also listed as a potential target.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

2024 NBA All-Star Weekend: The 5 best outfits from the festivities

Players came out to have fun and showcase their own unique style at the 73rd NBA All-Star Game.

The players came out to have fun and showcase their own unique style at the 73rd NBA All-Star Game. Athletes are starting to take advantage and recognize they can offer their fans more than just a one-dimensional version of themselves. They are so much more than athletes, with many of them taking an interest in fashion, charity and entrepreneurship.

All-Star games, game days and press events are all opportunities for fans and media alike to get to know these athletes on a deeper level. This year’s NBA All-Star Weekend did not disappoint, with players like Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat making a classic statement in his black suit with gold accents. And let’s not forget Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics in his hunter green jacket paired perfectly with his cream and rust knit sweater and classic black pants and boots and carrying a piece of Pyramide Bisten Damoflage hand luggage.

See the best looks from the 73rd NBA All-Star Game:

Paul George listed as Spurs target to pair with Victor Wembanyama

Adding Paul George next to Victor Wembayama could help take the San Antonio Spurs to the next level.

As the San Antonio Spurs prepare to build around Victor Wembanyama moving forward, they need to find a fine balance between planning for the long haul and helping him win right away. Wembanyama is talented enough to compete right now, but he needs more talent around him in order to do so.

Adding some veterans to the roster this summer could be a smart move, as it would not only help improve the Spurs’ roster but also help accelerate Wembanyama’s development. Tyler Watts of FanSided recently compiled a list of veterans the Spurs could target this summer to pair with Wembanyama.

Atop the list was LA Clippers star Paul George, who could be a free agent if he doesn’t reach an agreement on a contract extension in LA.

“If George hits the open market, there will be a bidding war,” Watts wrote. “The San Antonio Spurs should be involved as adding a second star could help them immediately jump back into contention. There is risk with the veteran wing, but teams with franchise players must do that.

“Can the Spurs convince Paul George or another star to join them this summer? It is unlikely, but San Antonio will be a destination when their young talent blossoms. Expect the Spurs to add a few veterans this summer as they look to take another step forward, and stay tuned for all the latest.”

It would obviously be a long shot, but adding George to the mix could take the Spurs to the next level.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

‘Both sides won’: Paul George opens up about historic Thunder-Clippers trade

‘Both sides won’: Paul George opens up about historic Thunder-Clippers trade.

One of the largest trades in league history occurred over four years ago between the Oklahoma City Thunder and LA Clippers.

In July 2019, the Thunder shocked the NBA world when they shipped Paul George to the Clippers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and several first-round picks throughout the 2020s.

One of those first-round picks has already paid huge dividends. It resulted in OKC selecting Jalen Williams, who’s quickly blossomed into one of the best young wings in the league.

Williams’ emergence paired with Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise to superstardom has made it very easy to argue OKC won the trade by a considerable margin — especially considering there are still several draft picks left down the line.

Meanwhile, the Clippers acquired George, which helped them land Kawhi Leonard. Five seasons into the duo’s tenure, LA’s run has been highlighted by its first Western Conference finals appearance (2021) in franchise history.

This season, both teams have been in the upper echelon of the league. The Thunder (27-13) are in second place in the Western Conference standings while the Clippers (26-14) are a game back in fourth place.

Following the Thunder’s 128-117 loss to the Clippers, George, who scored a season-high 38 points, reflected on the seismic deal between both teams, opining he thinks both teams won the trade.

“I just think both sides won,” George said. “I did think it was quite a lot that the Clippers were willing to give up. Their commitment to me is my commitment to them. Very appreciative to them for going out and grabbing me.

“Shai, when that trade first happened, we knew Shai was going to be really, really, good, but he’s special. I guess in a way, Oklahoma won that trade with the picks and future MVP, but both sides won.”

It’s not too surprising to hear George publicly back up his front office for making the deal happen. He wanted to go to LA and received his wish. It was notable to hear him concede that an argument could easily be made OKC won the deal though.

Regardless of sincerity, the Clippers need more playoff success to justify mortgaging their future to the Thunder. Perhaps this season will provide some of that.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Player grades: Thunder fail to cool off Paul George in 128-117 loss to Clippers

Player grades for the Thunder’s 128-117 loss to the Clippers.

Stripping the ball from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Paul George accelerated down the court for the impressive reversed one-handed jam. It was only fitting the Los Angeles Clippers’ All-Star forward hit the dagger near the end of his monster fourth quarter.

The Oklahoma City Thunder had taken a one-point lead with about three-and-a-half minutes remaining, but the Clippers, led by George, finished the contest on a 14-2 run to earn a 128-117 victory.

“I thought they outplayed us for the majority of the 48 minutes tonight,” Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault said on the loss. “But we did a great job of hanging around the game and making a couple pushes at it to take a lead.”

The Clippers led 35-30 after a high-scoring opening frame. At halftime, LA led 65-61. In the third quarter, the Clippers grew their lead and entered the fourth quarter with a 99-89 lead. An Aaron Wiggins layup concluded a 17-9 run by OKC to open the final frame, making it a two-point contest with a little under seven minutes left.

From that point, both teams exchanged buckets before the aforementioned 14-2 run helped the Clippers create distance on the scoreboard.

After a sluggish showing in their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers the previous night, the Thunder’s elite offensive production returned to form in their second night at Crypto Arena. OKC shot 51% from the field and went 16-of-34 (47.1%) from 3. From the free-throw line, it shot 17-of-20. It dished 30 assists on 42 baskets.

For a second consecutive night, Jalen Williams led the Thunder in scoring. The second-year wing had 25 points and seven assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to 19 points and Lu Dort had 19 points as well.

“Yeah, he’s cooking right now,” Daigneault said on Williams. “He’s doing a great job at finding a balance between being aggressive and hitting the gas. … He still makes the right passes regardless of the circumstances. He’s found a great balance, really grown as a player to this point.”

Meanwhile, the red-hot Clippers, who have won nine of their last 11, shot 54% from the field and went 20-of-43 (46.5%) from 3. They totaled 30 assists on 47 baskets. LA had five players score double-digit points.

Paul George scored a season-high 38 points on 15-of-24 shooting and went 6-of-12 from 3. He scored 18 points in the final frame to lead LA, including 11 of its final 14 points.

“He’s a good player, he made a lot of tough shots — especially down the stretch, so you kinda just have to tip your hat,” Williams said on George’s hot fourth quarter. “He had one in the wing that Lu contested and it just went in. It’s something he probably works on and made the shot.”

Kawhi Leonard, who missed the first matchup between these teams this season, had 16 points, six assists and six rebounds. James Harden tallied 16 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Mason Plumlee had 14 points and five rebounds.

Playing on TNT, the Thunder showed out for a national audience. This matchup was advertised as a heavyweight bout between two of the best teams in the league and it lived up to its billing.

“I think that (was) their best punch,” Daigneault said. “They’re almost fully healthy, they had a game plan that was specific to us. That’s how you learn kinda about yourselves. It’s a good barometer of where we are as a team.

“It also teaches us the way other teams see us and where we need to improve. … It’s exciting to know that we’re drawing teams’ best punches out of them.”

The final few minutes exposed OKC’s youth and inexperience, but it was a solid road showing for the Thunder. They’ll need to move on to try to snap a two-game skid.

“Tonight was our fifth (game) in seven nights and yet ran through the finish line of the game,” Daigneault said on their effort. “Gave ourselves a chance against a really good team on the road.”

Let’s look at Thunder player grades.

Paul George in awe of Giannis-Wembanyama clash in Spurs-Bucks gem

LA Clippers star Paul George recently expressed the awe he experienced watching Victor Wembanyama battle it out with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

On Wednesday night, the San Antonio Spurs snapped a five-game losing streak with a 130-108 win over the Detroit Pistons, a fellow bottom-feeder. However, while they may not have won any of the previous five games, they were littered with impressive performances. And none were more entertaining than their tough 125-121 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo battled it out for 48 minutes, and despite being on a minutes restriction, Wembanyama played the final few minutes of the game after saving his time. He even managed to record an absurd clutch block on Antetokounmpo in the final moments to keep the Spurs’ hopes of winning alive.

On a recent episode of his podcast, “Podcast P,” LA Clippers star Paul George spoke about the matchup, applauding the two stars for their performances. (H/t Andrei De Guzman of Basketball Network)

“The Wemby-Giannis showdown was special for sure,” George said. “That was two avatars playing against each other. That was dope, definitely dope, like the creativity at that size; talk about splitting and then throwing it off the backboard, then boom. The behind the back on Damian Lillard to the boom, Giannis punching the sh— on people.”

Antetokounmpo’s interior dominance was tested by Wembanyama’s elite rim protection, and while the Bucks ultimately walked away with the win, it was one of the best games of the season.

As Wembanyama continues to grow and improve, expect the Spurs to be in more and more of those types of contests, all of which should be just as entertaining, if not more.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Paul George, an elite two-way basketball player, sees JuJu Watkins as one of the best in the women’s game

Paul George is highly skilled at both ends of the floor, and he sees the complete excellence of JuJu Watkins.

The praise for USC Trojans women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins just is not ending, and for good reason. The freshman phenom has taken the game by storm, especially in the Los Angeles area.

Los Angeles Clipper star James Harden recently raved about Watkins. Clipper teammate Paul George also had some hugely positive words to say about Watkins to the Los Angeles Times, via USC Athletics:

“You name the top female college fits, she should get that same recognition for what she’s doing, and honestly true freshman, she’s killing it.”

Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark are a couple of the household names in the sport, but Watkins should be up there with them, per George’s comments.

It’s big praise from one of the top two-way players in the NBA. Watkins has been making her name known and leading the Trojans in the process. The Women of Troy are 12-1 overall, 2-1 in Pac-12 Conference play. They are aiming to make a deep run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire.